Losing Caron Butler is a blow to the Mavericks because he is just flat out good — good on the court, good in the locker room, good in the community. He had developed into a spot up shooter who found his gaps in the Mavs offense. Bottom line, Dallas was +7.4 points per 100 possessions with him on the court.

“We do same thing regardless,” Cuban said before tonight’s game against Portland. “Our approach never changes.”

Dallas was without Dirk Nowitzki again on Tuesday night, his fifth game out, but he should be back soon. Cuban mentioned his return along with that of Roddy Beaubois, the high energy, play-making point guard expected back around the end of the month as guys who can help fill the gaps. He and coach Rick Carlisle spoke about the entire team needing to step up.

We will see if team cohesion is enough to replace Butler, of if Dallas has to think about a move.